New director appointed for the Bonne Bay Marine Station

Feb 20th, 2013

Pam Gill

New director appointed for the Bonne Bay Marine Station

Dr. Robert Scott has come across a lot of research stations, but Memorial University’s Bonne Bay Marine Station is unique.

“There are larger stations, but the Bonne Bay Marine Station is unique in that it’s located within a community – in a national park – as opposed to being remote; it’s a fantastic facility for conducting research and offers an excellent opportunity to engage with the community,” he said.

Dr. Robert Scott, an associate professor of resource management and environmental science at Grenfell Campus, was appointed as director of the marine station at a recent Board of Regents meeting. The marine station is located in Norris Point, Bonne Bay, in the middle of beautiful Gros Morne National Park.

Dr. Scott succeeds Dr. Bob Hooper who was the founding Director of the Bonne Bay Marine Station. Even though the station itself is relatively new, (opening in 2002) Dr. Hooper has been engaged in teaching and research in Norris Point for nearly 35 years. And while the Bonne Bay Marine Station is part of the Faculty of Science, Dr. Mark Abrahams, dean of the Faculty of Science, notes the unique location provides opportunities throughout Memorial University.

“Under Dr. Scott’s leadership we expect to build upon our existing strengths established by Dr. Hooper and create new opportunities,” he said.

“Grenfell has had ties to the marine station because of our proximity, as well as through interdisciplinary initiatives and research partnerships; now Dr. Scott can build on those relationships,” said Dr. Mary Bluechardt, vice-president, Grenfell Campus.

Before coming to Grenfell, Dr. Scott was an assistant professor in the biology department of Western University for seven years. He holds a PhD from Clark University in Massachusetts, a master’s from Guelph University and an undergraduate degree from Western.

Dr. Scott has taught and conducted research at number of research stations ranging from the Bay of Fundy to Alaska. He said he is particularly excited about the opportunity to work at the Bonne Bay Marine Station.

“It’s such a beautiful place to work. It’s a beautiful facility,” he said. “Of all the field stations I’ve worked at, this is a full-service facility so it’s one of the best field stations I’ve come across. I’m looking forward to continuing to support the wonderful teaching, research and engagement that is currently being done there and to expand those aspects of programming to develop a national and international reputation for the facility.”